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Summary of Words to Use and Words to Lose

Consider keeping this summary handy as a reference guide whenever you are preparing to share a story about Head Start or tell someone about our mission.

“Head Start staff have been really interested and quite receptive to the ideas shared. They have been able to quickly identify ways they can incorporate these recommendations into their daily communications about Head Start, and have been enthusiastic about returning home and making positive changes.”

–James Anderson, Family Resource Agency, Inc.,
Georgia and Tennessee

Our mission, in a nutshell:

Head Start gives children from at-risk backgrounds

Defines who we help using words that inspire action: when children are at risk, we are called to support them.

the skills they need

Signals that we’re delivering results: after participating in Head Start, children leave with critical skills.

to be successful in school and life

Shows we’re helping prepare Head Start children for kindergarten and beyond.

–partnering with millions of children, families, and communities

Speaks to our comprehensive model

on their path to success

Sums up our mission in visual, vivid language

.
children from at-risk backgrounds
Defines who we help using words that inspire action: when children are at risk, we are called to support them.
skills they need
Signals that we’re delivering results: after participating in Head Start, children leave with critical skills.
school and life
Shows we’re helping prepare Head Start children for kindergarten and beyond.
children, families, and communities
Speaks to our comprehensive model
path to success
Sums up our mission in visual, vivid language

Keywords To Use And Lose

Instead of saying this... Say this...

We’re here to lead you / inform you / offer you resources

We’re here to partner with you

Low-income families

Income-eligible families

Leveling the playing field

Supporting more children, families, and communities on their path to success

Social justice

Every child deserves an opportunity to succeed

Head Start is a free program.

Head Start is federally funded.

Head Start is an investment that helps all students be ready for school

Innovative laboratories

Head Start is at our best when we apply an always-learning mindset

No matter where Head Start programs operate, they all meet our national standards

Head Start programs ensure children receive vision, hearing, and other health screenings and referrals; require degrees and credentials for teaching staff; and mandate professional development and coaching for lead and assistant teachers

Head Start children reduce their vocabulary deficit by 38% during the program year

Head Start students are more likely to graduate high school, attend college, and receive a post-secondary degree, license, or certification